The acceptance phase

Angela sat at a restaurant close to her place of work, admiring the display of affection Amelia and Katherine exchanged.

As she watched, she wished things were like this between herself and Rex.

Meanwhile, back at the company, a distraught CEO paced his office, wondering why his assistant wasn't still online.

It's been over thirty minutes since her system went offline, but even with her station next door, he couldn't bring himself to go check on her.

He eyed her entrance once more before deciding to head back to his seat. Afterward, a peep at his laptop anew affirmed her absence.

Appearing disappointed, he checked his watch, only to find lunchtime had long elapsed.

His stomach rumbled in protest as if perceiving the missed noon meal.

Feeling hot, but with zero appetite, he removed his suit jacket, revealing the white material he wore beneath. Still, after all that, he wasn't satisfied.